2002 Dodge Ram 2500 - Readers' Rides

Featured Rides Of Truckin' Readers

In preparation for a Readers' Rides extravaganza, we're asking all you, especially those of you who are serving in our military, who have not sent in pictures of your truck, to please send an email to john.mata@sorc.com. We'll have more rides than ever to check out in an upcoming issue and it's up to you to make sure your pride and joy is among the chosen few. Remember to take high-resolution photos and try to find a good background.

Towering Tacoma
Tyler Milliren, from Houston, Texas, has given his '05 Toyota Tacoma double cab long bed the royal dirt treatment. It has been lifted with a six-inch Pro Comp kit, and rolls on a rugged set of 20x10-inch KMC XD Revolver wheels and 35-inch Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires. An RBP grille adds to the Tacoma's gutsy demeanor, as does the blacked out badges and taillights. An AFE air intake and Flowmaster exhaust help bump up the HP, which always comes in handy when venturing out to the unpaved beyond.

Ready For The Challenge
Stephen Englert is not afraid to tackle tough projects, and his Ford F-100 pickup is definite proof of that. As of now, he's had the truck tubbed and C-notched, but he really wants to be one of the few to roll around on a 'bagged '67-'72 on 22s. Who could blame him? It'd be hard to argue the fact that it would be one of the coolest classics around with that kind of swagger. Stephen has owned this truck since last October, but prior to that it was bone stock, which leads us to believe that it will be sitting on the pavement in no time.

Family Ram
This '02 Dodge Ram 4WD belongs to Nancy Sweeny. She just shares it with her husband of 25 years and her children. Since she keeps herself busy working two jobs and taking care of her family, she doesn't have much free time to spend customizing her truck, but she has managed to slap on a set of 22-inch American Racing AR628 wheels, a Flowmaster exhaust with a Gibson flamed tip, and a whole mess of other cool mods. Nancy even takes her ride to as many shows as possible around the Boston area where she's from. So far, it has taken home 13 trophies, and has received countless compliments over the five years she's owned it. "I like your husband's truck" is a common response Nancy hears all the time, but get it right-this bad Ram is owned by a woman. Deal with it.

RIDE OF THE MONTH

Truckin' For Life
Richie Samper, of Bethel Heights, Arkansas, has owned his '72 Chevy C10 since he was 14 years old. Now that he is in his early 30s, he is still as excited about building it up as he was when he first took hold of the keys. With the help of his friend David and his father, the truck was stripped down to the frame, which allowed them to rebuild the front suspension with drop spindles and 'bags while outfitting the rear with a custom flip kit and C-notch. The rear, however, will be 'bagged soon enough. Richie selected 17-inch Boyd Coddington wheels to roll on, and he wanted to get them spinning as fast as possible so he made some extensive improvements to the factory crate engine. The Ultra-Violet pearl paint is a factory Ford color from the '90s. Great work so far, Richie. Keep us updated on further modifications.

A Cool Chick and Her Truck
Megan Becker didn't play with Barbies when she was a little girl. Instead, she helped clean the wheels of her mom's S-10 Blazer and could always be found hanging out with her dad in the garage. And, yes, she does work on the '94 GMC Sierra you see here with her own two hands. Megan's family is her world, and they are all extremely supportive of her hobby for customizing her truck, which has been given her own twist on the whole rat rod look. She's hooked up a cool and functional Zoomie exhaust setup, and is keeping her truck at factory height for the time being. We asked her why and Megan simply responded, "I never follow a trend and stay away from lifting and lowering. Stock height is rare these days." Well, however you decide to customize your truck, Megan, make sure it's exactly how you want it done.

Mean In Green
This '01 Toyota Tundra belongs to Casey Lokan, from Live Oak, Florida, and it has come a long way over the years. The 4.7L V-8 has been upgraded with a short ram intake, and a Flowmaster exhaust system helps expel air with quickness. The door and tailgate handles, body molding, gas door, taillights, antenna, and driprails have all been shaved off for a tidy appearance. The House of Kolor Lime Time green pearl paint was used to cover the Tundra's smooth surface, and really makes it impossible to ignore the truck's presence on the streets. Casey selected a set of 22-inch Liquid Metal Magma wheels and wrapped them with Kuhmo 265/35R22 performance rubber. The interior has received some color matched 'glass work and a ton of audio equipment from Concept. Topping the list of future plans is a full FBSS air-ride setup. This thing is surely going to be a sight to see.

Aloha From Maui
The photos sent in by Ken Mishler, a resident of Hawaii, had us a little torn at what to really pay attention to. His stunning '99 Chevy Tahoe is definitely fun to look at, but just check out the clear blue Pacific behind it! Ken is obviously not one to cut corners or do things half way since he's hooked up a full Ride Tech air suspension with a triangulated four-link at the rear. The front features Ride Tech Strong Arms and Belltech 2-inch drop spindles. Front and rear sway bars from Hotchkis keep the ride smooth, and the 22-inch KMC Surge wheels with 275/30R22 Nitto rubber give it an added dimension of legitimate street cred. A Sir Michaels roll pan, Street Scene chrome grille, and custom light housings also further its custom appeal. Inside the cabin is a full Alpine sound network and RoadWire black leather covered seats. Ken plans to drop in a 405 hp LS6 too. Man, we'd much rather drive this monster around the island rather than splashing around in the boring water.